Building a Dragon: How to Craft Your Own Soaring Work of Art in China's Kite Capital
In Weifang, the undisputed "Kite Capital of the World," kites are not just children's toys; they are soaring, intricate works of art. You’ll see everything from vibrant goldfish to giant, centipede-like dragons dancing in the sky. And the best souvenir you can possibly take home is not one you buy, but one you have built with your own hands.
In a local workshop, a master kite-maker will guide you. You’ll start with thin, flexible strips of bamboo. You'll learn to carefully bend them with heat and tie them into a sturdy frame—perhaps a classic swallow, a symbol of good luck. Then, you’ll paste on the delicate silk or paper skin and paint it with bright, bold colors. But the moment of true triumph comes when you take your creation to a field, unfurl the string, and feel the wind catch it, watching your own personal work of art climb into the sky.
Insider Tip:
If you can, plan your visit to coincide with the Weifang International Kite Festival, usually held in April. It is one of the most incredible, joyous spectacles in China. The sky fills with the most elaborate kites imaginable—from flocks of eagle kites flying in formation to giant, 3D dragons hundreds of meters long that require a whole team to launch.
